Director: Osamu Yamasaki
Starring: Hiroyuki Yoshino, Greg Ayres, Houko Kuwashima, Brittney Karbowski, Koji Yusa, Illich Guardiola, Kousuke Toriumi, Leraldo Anzaldua, Shinchiro Miki, Andrew Love, Showtaro Morikubo, Blake Shepard
Running Time: 300 minutes
Certificate: 15
The second season of HAKUOKI is quite similar to the first. There is still a strong emphasis on the relationship between Chizura and the many men in her life. Fortunately, the series still refuses to make this the main focus. Rather than having a romantic mystery surrounding who Chizura will end up with (if anyone), it instead focuses on each relationship and how important it is. All the men in her life have a connection to her i some respect, but neither her nor them are completely obsessed over love. If it happens, it happens, and that is a rather mature outlook especially for an anime .
When not focusing on the characters, we have a lot of history to be catching up with. Obviously, due to the more supernatural elements, viewers will constantly question the validity of dates and locations. The events are placed firmly in reality, which does add a lot of interesting plot developments. Characters start to wear western clothing and many debates between honour and respect of one’s culture take centre stage. Like all the best samurai films, HAKUOKI starts to look at a fading culture trying to keep up in a modern world.
Naturally then, this season sees a lot focus on modern weaponry coming in to play. The battle between honour and defeat is a constant presence, with retreating discussed as a valid tactic for potential victory. Characters must challenge their own pride and ideals, and for the most part it is all handled respectfully. With great attention to detail, especially during the artistic flourishes of blood ballet and blossoms, the whole world comes alive.
Despite not being obsessed with the men in her life, Chizura is pushed to the side for the majority of the show. She is there, but it feels as though she is merely a representative for the core demographic from the games on which this show is based. It’s the men taking all the risks, and the men fighting, while Chizura remains too idealistic and precious. With a darker tone and a sinister plot unfolding, the tension rises due to the exit of many key figures. With Season 3 and the OVA already scheduled for release, this is certainly a good year for HAKUOKI fans, but hopefully the show can just develop Chizura a tad more.
[usr=4]HAKUOKI Season 2 is released on DVD on 3rd March via MVM.
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